PROGRAM DETAILS
DURATION
September 2026 – June 2027
Approximately 5–7 hours per month
A combination of:
In-person retreats
Virtual learning sessions
Community action planning
Spiritual formation
Peer collaboration
Become a 2026–2027 Micah Fellow
Thank you for your interest in the Micah Fellows Program.
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Micah Fellows is a learning journey for clergy and spiritually grounded leaders who are committed to addressing poverty, advancing economic justice, and strengthening their communities through faith-rooted action.
Throughout the program, Fellows participate in:
In-person retreats
Virtual learning sessions
Spiritual formation
Advocacy and narrative training
Peer learning
A Minigrant Action Project designed to create tangible community impact
Important Dates
Applications Open
July 24, 2026
Application Deadline
August 14, 2026
Applicants Notified
August 31, 2026
Orientation
September 8, 2026
Opening Retreat
September 15–18, 2026
OVERVIEW
The Micah Fellows Program is a statewide learning journey that equips clergy and spiritually grounded leaders to address poverty through faith-rooted leadership, public witness, and community action.
Grounded in the prophetic call of Micah 6:8, Fellows deepen their theological imagination while building practical skills in advocacy, narrative change, organizing, and collaborative leadership. Throughout the program, participants explore how faith communities can help dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty while creating more just, healthy, and flourishing communities for all Arkansans.
Through retreats, virtual learning sessions, peer relationships, and Minigrant Action Projects, Fellows translate learning into tangible action that advances economic justice for ALICE households across Arkansas.
Over the next year, a cohort of faith leaders from across the state will:
Participate in a peer learning journey that will contribute to research and resources for faith-based advocates
Receive spiritual formation and theological care from trained clergy and program facilitators
Engage in advocacy, media, and narrative training
Have the opportunity for a mini-grant to advance economic equity and systemic change for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) residents in Arkansas
Who should apply?
We welcome people of faith from various backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, and regions of Arkansas.
Leaders with formal and informal connections with the faith community with a demonstrated commitment to economic justice and poverty alleviation.
People who are disruptors of old myths that cause complacency, people who have a heart for God, and people who subscribe to the principles found in Micah 6.8 (for which the fellowship program is named).
As an ecumenical cohort that is rooted in Biblical interpretation and theology, we look to attract people who subscribe to Christian faith traditions or beliefs - with the knowledge that we will also be learning from other faith traditions during the learning process.
What is the curriculum?
The Core Teachings of the Micah Fellowship will emphasize the synthesis of praxis and prophetic mandate as found in the Biblical text. Sessions include:
The History of Faith-Rooted Movements to End Poverty In the South
Creating Communities of Belonging, Envisioning an Equitable Arkansas
Advocacy 101 - What is possible (legally), how, and why?
Introduction to Faith-Based Community Organizing
Arkansas Policy
Amplifying Our Public Witness (Media Training)
May-June: Action Plans and Grant Opportunities:
Receive feedback and support on project proposals eligible for Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and Micah Fellows Program funding opportunities.
OTHER MEDIA & “THE WHY”
What’s faith got to do with it?
CONFRONTING THE STATUS QUO IN THE COVID ERA:
The Micah Fellows Program is a new, exciting strategy to advance a faith-based narrative of economic equity and anti-poverty in Arkansas.
Strengthening Faith and Work Against Poverty
Listen to the latest interview with Kyle Kellams of KUAF - NWA NPR affiliate station discussing the mission of the Micah Fellows Program.
“GREATEST OF THESE” VIDEO SERIES
A virtual conversation series with faith and public leaders in Arkansas.
